India and New Zealand play the fifth and final ODI at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui with India leading the series 2-1 after winning the first two matches and having the third washed out. India are coming off a heavy 244-run defeat in the fourth ODI and want to regain momentum in the series finale.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner wins the toss and elects to bowl first, according to multiple outlets. The main selection focus for India is the debut of Yash Thakur, who is brought into the playing XI for the 50-over match. India captaincy is reported as Shreyas Iyer leading the side, while Santner leads New Zealand.
Coverage largely aligns on the toss result, the match location, the series scoreline, and the debut call-up. Some outlets also frame the game around New Zealand’s aim to level the five-match series, while others emphasize India’s chance to seal the series with a win.
